Wiring plan for oak frame...

mattice · 3 Oct 2015

I don't think I've ever deliberated so much over something that should be simple....

We've just fitted an Oak frame and glazed porch. We will have a single light from the ceiling.

One of the 2-way switches is in the house. I can't bring myself to run a 3 core cable up the oak frame alongside the outer door to provide the 'exit' switch.

I'm bouncing between wireless (battery switches) or occupancy sensor, but something inside me says hardwire and don't overcomplicate.

Are there any suggestions for this 'conundrum' ?

Thanks, M

JohnW2 · 3 Oct 2015

mattice said:
I can't bring myself to run a 3 core cable up the oak frame alongside the outer door to provide the 'exit' switch. I'm bouncing between wireless (battery switches) or occupancy sensor, but something inside me says hardwire and don't overcomplicate.

Someone may well suggest sticking with 'hardwiring', but using 'pyro' (MICC) cable - copper clad, it might look acceptable against the oak. However, you'd have to find an electrician experienced and equipped to install that type of cable.

Kind Regards, John

bernardgreen · 4 Oct 2015

If you can manage with light on exit and not on arrival then put a timer on the inside. When you leave ( exit ) you press the timer on and this then keeps the light on for a fixed time that is long enough for you to leave the house.

lloyda · 4 Oct 2015

I'd look at LightwaveRF or similar to do wireless switching at one or both locations.

Lectrician · 4 Oct 2015

JohnW2 said:
Someone may well suggest sticking with 'hardwiring', but using 'pyro' (MICC) cable - copper clad, it might look acceptable against the oak. However, you'd have to find an electrician experienced and equipped to install that type of cable.

Kind Regards, John

And it still looks **** where it terminates at a switch.

bernardgreen · 4 Oct 2015

A not simple solution would be to use the door bell push to operate both door bell and a relay. A contact on the relay then triggers a timer to switch the light on for long enough to find the key and get the door open.

JohnW2 · 4 Oct 2015

Lectrician said:
And it still looks **** where it terminates at a switch.

True - but, if one has the skills, one might be able to address that with some little bits of oak.

Kind Regards, John

securespark · 4 Oct 2015

Why not fit a pull cord switch on the porch ceiling?

Lectrician · 4 Oct 2015

Occupancy detection seems the best bet - Microwave technology means you can fit something discreet.

flameport · 4 Oct 2015

Lectrician said:
Microwave technology means you can fit something discreet.

Also means the light can turn on before you even open the door.

securespark · 4 Oct 2015

Would it work in conjunction with the switch indoors?

sparkwright · 4 Oct 2015

Try and send photos, you never know, we may come up with some ideas how to conceal the cable.

mattice · 4 Oct 2015

I hadn't considered microwave. I guess I could repurpose the internal switch to override the external lights which will be on PIR, and leave the porch on microwave. Thank you for all of the other suggestions....

I've been researching lightwave, but the switches are all suited to a modern house, and most are dimmer modules, rather than straight forward paddle switched which will just be a pain for quick entry and exits! I've also had mixed passed experience, perhaps the technology has improved now....

Hadn't heard of 'Piro' cable. It would look pretty good I think, but the termination does seem to be suited to a certain type of 'pro'.

The pull switch I would love to - I'm not even going to raise it with t'other half as I know what the answer will be....

As for the other concealment options, it's glazed and oak framed, I nearly took a router to the frame but I came to my senses.

Time to research microwave - I need really low profile suited for mounting on a vertical wall. We've yet to plaster so I have some concealment options, however I need to ensure access.

Thanks

sparkwright · 4 Oct 2015

Photos would help.

Cables may be hidden in plaster, floor screed before tiling perhaps, under window sils, even cavities...

lloyda · 4 Oct 2015

I understand your comments about lightwave and appearance, but don't dismiss the idea because you don't want a dimmer, user an inline relay instead.

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Wiring plan for oak frame...

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